Megaloblastic Anemia

Megaloblastic anemia is a decrease in the amount of oxygen-carrying substance (hemoglobin) found in red blood cells. A person with this condition has low numbers of abnormally large, immature red blood cells that do not function properly.

Megaloblastic anemia can be caused by a folic acid deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency.

Medical care for megaloblastic anemia is based on identifying and treating the cause of the anemia.

By

Healthwise Staff

Primary Medical Reviewer

E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

Specialist Medical Reviewer

Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology, Oncology

Last Revised

December 10, 2012

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